TESO TWIST: Anita Among T-Shirts Now Used to Scare Birds in Rice Gardens

Bukedea, Uganda — In parts of the Teso sub-region, farmers in rice-growing wetlands have found an unusual and symbolic use for T-shirts bearing the image of former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among — using them as scarecrows to chase away birds from rice gardens.

Instead of wearing the shirts, some farmers in Bukedea and surrounding areas now hang them in rice fields, saying the printed faces help scare away weaver birds that often destroy ripening rice. The practice has recently attracted mixed reactions and debate among local residents.

Some farmers say the idea is purely practical, arguing that anything that helps protect their harvest is welcome. Others, however, say the development reflects shifting political sentiments in the region, where Among has both strong supporters and critics.

Reports from the area suggest that public opinion toward the former Speaker has been divided since last month’s security operations at her properties, which authorities said were linked to investigations into allegations of illicit enrichment. The claims have not been proven in court, and no formal charges have been confirmed.

In parts of Bukedea, some residents welcomed the developments, while others urged calm and due process, calling for respect for legal procedures as investigations continue.

There have also been renewed political discussions in Bukedea, with a section of residents reportedly calling for fresh elections for the district woman Member of Parliament seat, arguing that earlier political processes were not fully competitive. However, these remain political opinions rather than formal electoral actions.

At the same time, other voices in the region are calling for reconciliation and restraint, urging government to handle the matter fairly and even suggesting that any proven wrongdoing should be addressed through legal channels, while also appealing for forgiveness and national unity.

Despite the controversy, many farmers insist that their primary concern remains agricultural protection, not politics, and say the use of the T-shirts in gardens is simply a locally adapted method to deter birds rather than a political statement.

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